What is the primary benefit of Variable-D technology?

Variable-D technology significantly reduces the proximity effect. This allows the user to maintain a consistent frequency response and tonal balance even as they move closer to or further away from the microphone.

Is the Electro-Voice RE20 a condenser or dynamic microphone?

It is a large-diaphragm dynamic microphone. Unlike condenser microphones, it does not require phantom power to operate and is generally more durable for loud sound sources.

Can the RE20 be used for recording kick drums?

Yes, it is a classic choice for kick drums. Its high SPL handling and flat low-end response make it ideal for capturing the punch and shell tone of a bass drum without distortion.

Who is a notable artist who uses the RE20?

Mick Jagger is a famous artist known to have used the Electro-Voice RE20. It has been used by numerous high-profile vocalists and musicians across the decades.

How does the RE20 handle off-axis sound?

The RE20 features a true cardioid polar pattern. This provides excellent rejection of sound from the sides and rear, ensuring the capture remains focused on the intended source.

Does the RE20 require a pop filter?

The RE20 has an integrated internal pop filter designed to handle plosives and breath noise. While many users find this sufficient for broadcast, an external screen can still be used for additional protection.

What is the typical price range for the RE20?

The RE20 typically retails for approximately £563. This places it in the premium dynamic microphone category for professional studio and broadcast use.

Is the RE20 suitable for outdoor live use?

Yes, its rugged construction and cardioid pattern make it suitable for live stages. It is often used on brass, amplifiers, and vocals in professional live sound setups.

How does it compare to the Shure SM58?

The RE20 is a higher-fidelity, larger-diaphragm microphone with less proximity effect than the SM58. While the SM58 is a standard handheld vocal mic, the RE20 is a studio-grade tool with a flatter response.

What musical instruments is the RE20 best for?

It is highly versatile and used for saxophones, brass, acoustic guitars, and drums. Its ability to handle high sound pressure levels also makes it excellent for loud electric guitar cabinets.

Does the RE20 have any onboard controls?

The RE20 typically features a bass tilt-down (high-pass) switch. This allows the user to roll off low frequencies further if required by the recording environment or source.

Why is it called a 'desert island' microphone?

It is called a 'desert island' mic because of its extreme versatility. Professionals feel that if they could only have one microphone to record any possible source, the RE20's reliability and flat response make it the safest choice.

Gear article

Electro-Voice RE20 Dynamic Cardioid Microphone

The Electro-Voice RE20 is a professional dynamic cardioid microphone renowned for its Variable-D technology, which eliminates the proximity effect. A staple in broadcast and recording studios, it is frequently described as a 'desert island' microphone due to its versatility and flat frequency response.

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Background and History

The Electro-Voice RE20 has earned a reputation as an industry standard since its introduction. Originally designed to meet the rigorous demands of the broadcast industry, it has expanded its reach into professional music production and live sound reinforcement. It is widely considered a benchmark for speech capture, appearing in radio stations and podcast studios globally.

The microphone's longevity is attributed to its rugged construction and its ability to provide high-quality results consistently. Its status as a 'desert island' choice reflects its reliability across a vast array of sound sources, from delicate woodwinds to high-pressure percussion.

Key Features and Variable-D Technology

The defining technical feature of the RE20 is Electro-Voice's proprietary Variable-D technology. This innovation ensures that the microphone experiences minimal proximity effect—the common phenomenon where bass frequencies increase as the source moves closer to the capsule. By eliminating this, the RE20 allows performers and presenters to move freely around the microphone without tonal shifts.

Additional features include: * True Cardioid Pattern: Provides focused capture with significant rejection of sound from the sides and rear. * Internal Pop Filter: Reduces plosives and breath noise without the need for external screens. * Internal Shock Mount: Minimises the transmission of mechanical vibration and handling noise. * Steel Construction: Heavy-duty housing ensures durability in demanding environments.

Sonics and Character

The RE20 is prized for its rich and detailed sound, which often mimics the characteristics of a condenser microphone while retaining the robustness of a dynamic design. Its frequency response is exceptionally flat, providing a natural and accurate representation of the original source.

In broadcast applications, it provides the 'voice of God' quality—a deep, authoritative tone without the muddy bass typical of other cardioid mics. Notable artists, including Mick Jagger, have utilised its consistent performance for vocal duties, though it is equally adept at capturing the punch of a kick drum or the complex harmonics of a saxophone.

Utility and Comparison

While often compared to the Shure SM7B in broadcast circles, the RE20 is distinguished by its Variable-D system, making it more forgiving regarding user positioning. Unlike standard dynamic microphones like the Shure SM58 or Beta 58A, the RE20 offers a much larger diaphragm and a broader frequency range suited for studio recording.

In live environments, it competes with high-end dynamics such as the Sennheiser MD 441-U, offering a focused cardioid pattern compared to the supercardioid patterns of the Sennheiser e945 or e935. It is a preferred choice for those seeking a premium, versatile tool that can handle everything from guitar amplifiers to brass instruments.

Artists who play it

Mick Jagger
Singer

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary benefit of Variable-D technology?: Variable-D technology significantly reduces the proximity effect. This allows the user to maintain a consistent frequency response and tonal balance even as they move closer to or further away from the microphone.
Is the Electro-Voice RE20 a condenser or dynamic microphone?: It is a large-diaphragm dynamic microphone. Unlike condenser microphones, it does not require phantom power to operate and is generally more durable for loud sound sources.
Can the RE20 be used for recording kick drums?: Yes, it is a classic choice for kick drums. Its high SPL handling and flat low-end response make it ideal for capturing the punch and shell tone of a bass drum without distortion.
Who is a notable artist who uses the RE20?: Mick Jagger is a famous artist known to have used the Electro-Voice RE20. It has been used by numerous high-profile vocalists and musicians across the decades.
How does the RE20 handle off-axis sound?: The RE20 features a true cardioid polar pattern. This provides excellent rejection of sound from the sides and rear, ensuring the capture remains focused on the intended source.
Does the RE20 require a pop filter?: The RE20 has an integrated internal pop filter designed to handle plosives and breath noise. While many users find this sufficient for broadcast, an external screen can still be used for additional protection.
What is the typical price range for the RE20?: The RE20 typically retails for approximately £563. This places it in the premium dynamic microphone category for professional studio and broadcast use.
Is the RE20 suitable for outdoor live use?: Yes, its rugged construction and cardioid pattern make it suitable for live stages. It is often used on brass, amplifiers, and vocals in professional live sound setups.
How does it compare to the Shure SM58?: The RE20 is a higher-fidelity, larger-diaphragm microphone with less proximity effect than the SM58. While the SM58 is a standard handheld vocal mic, the RE20 is a studio-grade tool with a flatter response.
What musical instruments is the RE20 best for?: It is highly versatile and used for saxophones, brass, acoustic guitars, and drums. Its ability to handle high sound pressure levels also makes it excellent for loud electric guitar cabinets.
Does the RE20 have any onboard controls?: The RE20 typically features a bass tilt-down (high-pass) switch. This allows the user to roll off low frequencies further if required by the recording environment or source.
Why is it called a 'desert island' microphone?: It is called a 'desert island' mic because of its extreme versatility. Professionals feel that if they could only have one microphone to record any possible source, the RE20's reliability and flat response make it the safest choice.